Whew. This week Theresa takes the entire episode to share the story of Ishi, commonly referred to as “the last Indian.”

She sets the stage with the start of the Gold Rush and how settlers wiped 2/3 of native peoples off the census of California within two years. Then shares how one feared tribe, the Yahi fought to survive. On Aug. 29, 1911, a starving middle-aged man, walks onto the pages of written history as the last member of his tribe. 

After he dies, his wishes for his body are ignored and spark a lengthy court battle as several indigenous tribes fight to unite his brain and body and give him the last rites he deserves. 

This episode pairs well with: 
Sacagawea and her mysterious death(s)